Arthroplasty (joint replacement)

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Arthroplasty (joint replacement)

Arthroplasty, or joint replacement, is a surgery to replace all or part of a hip, knee, or other joint with an artificial one called a prosthesis. This procedure relieves pain that cannot be controlled by other treatments. Doctors may recommend arthroplasty if you have a damaged joint or severe arthritis that causes pain with daily activities.

About the procedure

Because of improvements in prosthesis design and surgical technique, joint replacements have become more common and durable. Orthopaedic surgeons perform more than 230,000 hip replacement surgeries each year in the United States. Joint replacements may be total or partial, and sometimes the surgeon may also repair other structures around the joint. Hips and knees are replaced most often. Others include shoulders, fingers, ankles, and elbows. After an arthroplasty, you should have improved mobility, better joint function, and less pain.

Why choose UAB

The physicians of UAB Orthopaedics focus on bone and joint conditions of the hands, back, knees, hips, feet, and shoulder. Some of them further specialize in pediatric orthopaedics, musculoskeletal oncology, and sports medicine. They develop care plans specific to each individual case and communicate with you every step of the way. Patients are also connected with other health care specialties as needed, to ensure that you receive seamless and comprehensive care.

Our orthopaedic clinics are located at UAB Hospital-Highlands, which offers easy access and convenient free parking.

About UAB Orthopaedics

Specialists within UAB Orthopaedics are internationally respected for their medical and academic expertise. They provide the full range of treatments, from complex surgeries to minimally invasive procedures that require only a few small incisions (cuts). These include complete hip replacements, scoliosis correction, repairing sports-related injuries, and even screenings for bone cancer.

Our experts receive world-class training and stay current with the latest advances through professional societies like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. They hold leadership roles in these professional societies and author textbooks that help develop tomorrow’s orthopaedic physicians.